On Thursday 22 January, Healesville Connect will be hosting their annual free Twilight Picnic event.
Running from 4:30 to 8:30pm, the Twilight Picnic is designed to unite and connect the families and members of the Healesville community, and will be held at Queens Park in Healesville.
Activities include;
Myuna Animal Petting Ark, Claire and Sam duo, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Novelty races for all – with podium and race badges for winners, Lawn games and outdoor toys from the Healesville Toy Library, and Line Dancing by Shine.
These activities will be topped off with a coffee van, free sausage sizzle with vegetarian and gluten free options, and free ice cream.
Co-founder of non-for-profit organisation Healesville Connect Jo Bracken confirmed that this year will be Healesville Connect’s third Twilight picnic.
Ms Bracken said, “We are trying to fill that gap for younger families.”
“We are seeing that life is quite expensive at the minute and a lot of people can’t afford to do something special over the school holidays,” Ms Bracken said.
“We thought if people can come along to an event which is basically free, they can bring some dip and bickies and have a free sausage and ice cream, and the kids can play,” Ms Bracken said.
Novelty races will run for kids and parents alike, with badges for winners.
Ms Bracken said, “This event is a big thing that we are currently working towards with our committee.”
“We will get some volunteers from our members who attend weekly coffee catch ups,” She said.
While previous years have seen plenty of activities, this year’s Twilight picnic will be a particularly large event.
“We have a big event this year, thanks to an increase in funding from the Yarra Ranges Council,” Ms Bracken said.
“We can afford a marquee and lots of lovely activities,” she said.
Ms Bracken and the Twilight Picnic Committee intend to have no financial barriers for Thursday’s event.
“We have got nothing at the event where the kids will say ‘buy me that mum,’” Ms Bracken said.
“Attendees will only need the change in their pocket,” she said.
The Healesville Toy Library will run a raffle to raise money for their cause.
Healesville Living and Learning Centre will attend the event along with the local CFA with a fire truck, the SES with a response vehicle and the Emergency Hub.
The Hills Act Theatre company will also make an appearance, along with Healesville Sanctuary who will have a station for soft animal health checks. – It is highly advised to bring teddies along.
Ms Bracken and the team are hoping for good weather and lots of fun for Thursday’s event.
